Dandruff

Definition

Dandruff is a common dry scalp condition in which the dead skin cells are shed, creating white “flakes,” on the scalp.

Symptoms

Dandruff can be characterized as annoying white flakes, itching, burning, and inflammation of the scalp. Dandruff often accompanies scalp disease and is a responsible for baldness as well as general hair thinning. Dandruff may also occur on other pores and skin surfaces, like the face, chest, and back.

Cause

Dandruff is frequently a result of digestive disturbances, and is related to the overall health of the entire body.

The most typical cause of dry skin is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a mild scalp irritation. Typically white or yellow colored flakes form on oily parts of the scalp, eyebrows, nose and hairline. In extreme cases, flakes can occur on or inside the ears. Do not pick at, or scrape dry skin as this will only exacerbate your condition.

When infants get dandruff, it is called holder cap, which is attributed to yeast problems. Many European pore and skin experts believe all forms of dandruff can be attributed at least in part, to a yeast problem. In other words, dry skin is often a symptom of an interior problem. Consequently, dandruff remedies can be similar to those for treating infections.

Natural Remedies for Dry skin

Aromatherapy: Patchouli, rosemary, and tea tree oil can be massaged into the scalp to ease dryness.

Diet plan: Increase your intake of uncooked foods. Focus on an organic, whole foods diet plan. Consume salads, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid foods that are fried. Reduce your consumption of fats, sugars, dairy products, chocolate, seafood, and nuts.

Blossom Essences: Crab Apple can help ease depression associated with dandruff

Herbs: Wash your hair with a strong infusion of nettle, sage, and rosemary oil, and drink a cup of nettle tea with evening primrose oil (three capsules) daily.

Homeopathy: Arsen alb., Graphites, Lycopodium, Thuja, Sepia, Sulfur, and Cantharis are useful homeopathic remedies for dry skin.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Nutritional Supplements:

The following nutrients are all helpful to avoid dandruff: Vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin B, essential fatty acids (particularly omega–6), vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, as well as zinc. Kelp tablets are also recommended.

Topical ointment Treatment: Saturate your hair with a warm apple cider vinegar solution, and then wrap your head in a hand towel. After one hour, wash your hair. In addition, you can apply vitamin E oil to your scalp every night for 3 weeks. Tea-sapling oil shampoo is also suggested.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the advice listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. These professional therapies have proven to be useful for dealing with and relieving the symptoms of dandruff: Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Organic Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Air Therapy (exterior ozone applications to control fungal growth), as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)